Everton target Serhou Guirassy keeps Galatasaray at bay for Premier League move
Everton target Serhou Guirassy has been subject to a new loan-to-buy approach from Turkish giants Galatasaray, according to Fotomac.
The Guinea international forward has been training alone at Rennes ahead of a prospective move to Goodison, with an offer already lodged by the Toffees [Mail].
Frank Lampard badly needs another option up front with only Venezuelan Salomon Rondon available currently, but a move has yet to be completed despite appearing close for the last two weeks.
In the mean time Galatasaray have turned their attentions to the 26-year-old and have made contact with the player’s father, who is also his agent.
However, according to Fotomac, they have been rebuffed as he told them Guirassy is prioritising a move to the Premier League, where Everton are the club chasing.
The door has not been entirely closed on the move to the Turkish Super Lig, but his preference to move to England is currently holding firm despite the delay.
Holding on
There have been all manner of obstacles in potential Toffees deals this summer but for this one the player seems to be fully on board.
Rennes spent over £20million to buy Arnaud Kalimuendo this summer, who Everton were also previously linked to, so may be looking to recoup some cash to let Guirassy walk, even on loan.
But they appear to be ready to let him go as they authorised Galatasaray to speak to him, so the hold up on a Goodison move is frustrating.
Although Lampard saw his side put their first point on the board with the draw against Nottingham Forest on Saturday (20 August), he still would benefit from a more mobile option up front than Rondon, and someone who is more of a threat to score.
The days are ticking down to the close of the transfer window and striker reinforcements have still not arrived.
Rivals are clearly getting into the mix for Guirassy so if he is to be the man to plug the gap at Goodison the pressure is on.
He has scored 28 Ligue 1 goals in the past three seasons combined so could be a solid second-choice option when Dominic Calvert-Lewin is back, and a serviceable option until then, so unless Lampard isn’t sold that he is the right man for the job the window is wide open to get this deal done.